Amid the relentless surge in the cost of living, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office has noted a troubling trend— an increasing number of homeless individuals have sought refuge on derelict vessels.
This predicament, officials assert, has been an ongoing challenge in the county.
Derelict vessels, these seemingly abandoned boats, languish idly in the county’s waterways, accumulating two or more violations.
These infractions range from missing motors and masts to open windows and fuel leaks. Although not all derelict vessels are deserted, their presence poses a significant risk to navigational safety and environmental integrity.
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A perilous haven for the homeless
Lt. Michael Dougherty of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office lamented the situation. He recounted numerous instances where these vessels have broken free from their moorings, careening into docks and causing chaos, as was the case last November when seven boats ran amok in the Jensen Beach causeway.
The financial toll on taxpayers and local businesses
The endeavor to eliminate these abandoned vessels is a protracted and costly process, one that often exacts a hefty toll on taxpayers.
Dougherty emphasized the financial strain, stating, it can be anywhere from $6,000 and upwards.
This fiscal burden ripples through the community, affecting local businesses that rely on tourists drawn to the area.
County action and legal consequences
County commissioners have taken steps to address the issue by amending a county ordinance, thereby granting the Harbormaster and law enforcement greater authority to address boats that do not belong in mooring fields.
Once a vessel is classified as derelict, deputies can tag it and contact the owner to rectify the situation.
If no improvements occur within 21 days, deputies are left with no option but to engage Sea Tow to relocate and dispose of the boat, a move that can prove costly and frequently falls upon the shoulders of taxpayers.
According to the Florida State Statutes, abandoning a derelict vessel and failing to cooperate with law enforcement is a criminal offense, subject to arrest or fines.
